When it comes to pairing cheese with salmon, there are a few key factors to consider. The flavor profile of the salmon, whether it is wild caught or farmed, if it is fresh or smoked, can impact what cheese makes the best match. The preparation method of the salmon, baked, grilled, or poached, as well as any sauces or spices used, also play a role. Finally, the variety of cheese and its distinct taste, texture, and fat content need to be taken into account. By thoughtfully balancing these elements, you can create an appetizing cheese and salmon duo.
Smoked Salmon and Cheese Pairings
Smoked salmon often has a richer, fuller flavor compared to fresh salmon. The smoky aroma and salty brininess stand up well against bold cheeses. Here are some excellent options for smoked salmon and cheese pairings:
- Aged cheddar – The sharp nuttiness plays off the smokiness.
- Goat cheese – The tanginess cuts through the oily salmon.
- Gruyere – The salty, earthy notes complement the salmon.
- Havarti – Thebuttery, creamy texture matches the salmon’s fattiness.
- Gorgonzola – The pungent blue cheese nicely balances the salmon’s saltiness.
Pairing smoked salmon with aged, nutty cheeses like an extra sharp cheddar can be particularly delicious. The crunchy texture also adds contrast to the rich smoked salmon. Creamy soft cheeses like brie and goat cheese also make good matches, as they melt on the salmon for a decadent combination.
Fresh Salmon and Cheese Pairings
With fresh salmon, you want cheeses that will accentuate the delicate flavor rather than overwhelm it. Fresh cheeses have milder flavors that complement salmon beautifully. Here are some excellent options for fresh salmon and cheese pairings:
- Cream cheese – A classic pairing, adding richness.
- Mozzarella – The milky flavor enhances the salmon.
- Feta – The briny taste mirrors the salmon.
- Ricotta – The light texture mixes well with salmon.
- Burrata – The soft creamy center contrasts the salmon.
Soft spreadable cheeses like cream cheese, goat cheese, and Boursin work well with fresh salmon. Their silky texture and tanginess offset the salmon’s flakes for a smooth mouthfeel. Ricotta or mozzarella add subtle flavor without being overpowering. With fresh salmon, you want the delicate seafood taste to be the star.
Sauces and Preparation Methods
How the salmon is prepared and what sauces or spices are used will impact the best cheese pairing. Here are some examples:
- Lemon pepper salmon – Pair with feta or goat cheese.
- Honey glazed salmon – Pair with brie or blue cheese.
- Blackened salmon – Pair with aged gouda or pecorino.
- Salmon with dill – Pair with havarti or Swiss.
- Salmon burgers – Pair with cheddar or pepper jack.
When salmon has citrusy or tangy ingredients, choose a cheese with a bit of acidity like feta or goat cheese. Salmon with sweet glazes or toppings works best with creamy cheeses like brie to balance the flavors. Spicy salmon can handle assertive cheeses like aged gouda or pepper jack. Think about the dominant seasonings and ingredients and what cheese flavors would complement them.
Factors to Consider
When deciding what cheese pairs best with salmon, keep these key factors in mind:
- Fat content – Fattier cheeses like brie and gouda match well with salmon’s richness.
- Texture – Creamy cheeses contrast nicely with salmon’s flakiness.
- Intensity of flavor – Fresh salmon is delicate, so choose mild cheeses. Smoked salmon can handle bolder cheeses.
- Saltiness – Cheeses like feta or gorgonzola balance salty smoked salmon.
- Acidity – Goat cheese or other tangy cheeses cut through salmon’s fattiness.
The preparation method also matters. Grilled or poached salmon may want a lighter ricotta or mozzarella, while baked salmon can stand up to heavier cheddar or gouda. Think about all the elements and flavors at play to make the best pairing.
Best Cheeses to Pair with Salmon
Here is a summary of some of the best cheese options to serve with salmon:
| Cheese | Salmon Pairing Notes |
|---|---|
| Cream Cheese | Fresh and smoked salmon. Provides rich, tangy contrast. |
| Goat Cheese | Fresh and smoked salmon. Bright, tangy flavor cuts through salmon. |
| Gruyere | Smoked salmon. Full-bodied, nutty, salty flavor. |
| Cheddar | Smoked salmon. Sharp flavor stands up to salmon. |
| Brie | Fresh salmon. Buttery, soft texture. |
| Burrata | Fresh salmon. Creamy, semi-soft pairs well. |
| Havarti | Smoked salmon. Buttery, creamy. |
These cheeses cover a range of textures from soft and creamy brie to firm, crumbly cheddar. The flavors also vary from mild Havarti to pungent goat cheese. With this diverse selection, you can find a cheese pairing suited to any preparation of salmon fillet or smoked salmon.
General Guidelines
While personal taste always plays a role, here are some general guidelines for salmon and cheese pairings:
- Fresh salmon goes best with soft, fresh cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, and cream cheese.
- Smoked salmon pairs well with bold, salty cheeses like gorgonzola and aged gouda.
- Buttery poached or grilled salmon matches well with creamy brie or Havarti.
- Spicy salmon can handle assertive cheeses like pepper jack or pecorino.
- Tangy or citrusy salmon works with goat cheese and feta.
Think about contrasting textures like flaky fish with creamy cheese. Complementary flavors are also important – smoked salmon and gouda have similar earthy, salty notes. When in doubt, classic pairings like salmon and cream cheese are always a safe bet.
Cheese Boards with Smoked Salmon
Serving smoked salmon with an assortment of cheeses makes an elegant appetizer. Here are some cheese board ideas perfect for pairing with smoked salmon:
- The Nordic – Smoked salmon, dill Havarti, Jarlsberg, lemon, capers, and rye crackers.
- The Pacific Northwest – Smoked salmon, goat cheese, aged cheddar, hazelnuts, blackberries, and baguette.
- The Classic – Smoked salmon, cream cheese, minced red onion, capers, everything bagel chips.
- The Mediterranean – Smoked salmon, feta, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, fig jam, pita chips.
- The French-Inspired – Smoked salmon, brie, cornichons, macerated berries, rosemary crostini.
These combinations provide complementary cheeses that highlight different flavors in the smoked salmon. Creamy, tangy, herby, and nutty cheeses all make excellent partners. Just be sure to include crackers, bread, or other vessels for eating the salmon and cheese together.
Simple Salmon and Cheese Recipes
Beyond cheese boards, there are many tasty ways to combine salmon and cheese in appetizers, main courses, and more. Here are a few simple recipe ideas:
Baked Salmon with Cream Cheese
- Spread cream cheese on salmon fillet and bake until just cooked through.
- Delicious with fresh dill and lemon slices on top.
Salmon Burgers with Cheddar
- Form salmon patties mixed with breadcrumbs and shredded cheddar.
- Pan fry the burgers and serve on buns with all the fixings.
Salmon Salad with Feta
- Flake cooked salmon and fold in crumbled feta, diced cucumber and tomato.
- Serve the Greek-style salad on spinach leaves, pita, or crackers.
Smoked Salmon Frittata with Goat Cheese
- Make an egg frittata with the smoked salmon and goat cheese baked inside.
- Garnish with chives and serve warm or at room temperature.
With minimal preparation, you can make so many tasty salmon recipes loaded with cheesy goodness. Get creative with different cheese and preparation combinations.
Pairing Wines with Salmon and Cheese
Finding the right wine to go with salmon and cheese takes a bit of consideration. Here are some excellent wine pairing options:
- Champagne – Bubbles and acidity cut through the richness.
- Rosé – Crisp with subtle fruitiness to complement the fish.
- Pinot Grigio – Light-bodied white wine that won’t overpower.
- Sauvignon Blanc – Citrusy flavors contrast the cheese.
- Chardonnay – Buttery oak notes mirror the dish.
- Pinot Noir – Earthy red with just enough body for the salmon.
Lighter-bodied white wines like rosé work best with fresh salmon and soft cheeses. Fuller whites like Chardonnay and oaky Sauvignons pair better with smoked salmon and aged cheddars. Sparkling wines are always safe bets, cutting through any dish’s richness. For red wine, stick with light Pinot Noir rather than heavy Cabernets.
General Tips
- More delicate fish needs lighter wines like Pinot Grigio.
- Smoked salmon can work with bolder reds like Pinot Noir.
- Fresh cheeses need bright, acidic whites like Sauvignon Blanc.
- Aged cheeses match fuller oak-forward Chardonnay.
- Bubbles are great palate cleansers between fish and cheese.
Consider all the main elements of your dish and what wine would flatter them. Acidity, body, and intensity of flavors are most important. When pairing salmon, cheese, and wine, aim for balance so no one taste overpowers.
Conclusion
Salmon and cheese are natural culinary companions, but selecting the ideal cheese matters. Consider the salmon’s preparation method, flavor profile, and texture. Fresher salmon deserves softer, milder cheeses while smoked salmon can handle bold, salty cheeses. Creamy cheeses provide luscious contrast to flaky fish. Tangy cheeses like goat cheese cut through salmon’s richness. Pairing salmon thoughtfully with cheeses like Havarti, cheddar, brie and feta makes for beautiful appetizer boards and enticing entrées. With a balanced white or red wine match, the fish and cheese combo is sure to impress.